TL;DR

2/2/25 Phase 2 Debris Removal Q&A #3 

Host: iO Tillet- Wright, wildfire survivor and activist 

https://www.iolovesyou.com/, postfirela.org 

Guest: Colonel Eric Swinston Recovery Field Office Commander U.S. Army Corps of Engineers 

https://www.mvp.usace.army.mil/About/Leadership/Bio-Article-View/Article/1898823/col-eric-swe nson/ 

Phase 2 Debris Removal Details 

● Process & Timeline: 

○ Each property takes 2–10 days, depending on complexity. 

○ Standard home (2,000 sq. ft., flat lot): 2-4 days. 

○ Complex structures (multi-tiered homes, hills): 8-10 days. 

○ Work will happen simultaneously across multiple areas rather than block-by-block to minimize disruption. 

● Resident Notifications: 

○ Updates sent 3–5 days in advance and again the day before work begins. Homeowner Considerations 

● Resident Participation: 

○ Can observe debris removal and provide input. 

○ Can request preservation of certain features (e.g., trees, landscaping) when submitting the ROE form. 

● Tree Removal: 

○ Trees assessed by an arborist for public safety risks. 

○ Hazardous trees at risk of falling will be removed. 

● Swimming Pools: 

○ Not removed; sections may be cut if attached to the foundation. 

○ Pools with ash/debris may be assessed by local health authorities. 

○ Water may be used for dust control if deemed safe. 

● Foundation Considerations: 

○ Fire damage may compromise structural integrity. 

○ Homeowners should consult experts before deciding to keep or remove the foundation. 

○ Old foundations may limit new home designs. 

● Septic Tanks: 

○ Homeowners should indicate septic tank locations to prevent damage. ○ Efforts will be made to work around known septic systems.

Soil & Lot Remediation 

● Soil Removal Process: 

○ Six inches of soil removed within the ash footprint. 

○ Goal: Eliminate hazardous materials while minimizing impact. 

○ Soil removal does not extend beyond the ash footprint to avoid unnecessary costs. 

● Additional Lot Considerations: 

○ Partially burned wood outside the ash footprint is hand-collected. ○ Burned shrubs are not removed (not considered hazardous). 

○ Fencing & Flatwork: 

■ Stone fencing typically stays. 

■ Fire-damaged wood fencing may be removed if eligible. 

■ Driveways and flatwork are generally not removed. 

○ Vehicles, boats, trailers, and other titled property are removed. ○ Tree stumps are not removed under this program. 

Insurance & Financial Considerations 

● Coverage Details: 

○ Dwelling Coverage A: Funds allocated for rebuilding. 

○ Debris removal coverage is typically separate. 

○ Homeowners cannot receive insurance payouts for debris removal and also have the government perform the same work (no duplication of benefits). ● Billing & Payment: 

○ The Army Corps does not bill homeowners; the county handles billing. ○ California FAIR Plan policyholders without debris removal coverage will not be billed. 

○ Billing timeline is currently unknown. 

Air Quality & Toxicity Concerns 

● Ash & Air Quality Control: 

○ Wet methods used to prevent ash dispersal. 

○ Excavators collect ash, place it in plastic-lined dump trucks, and cover it for transport. 

○ Air monitoring conducted around work sites, including near schools and senior centers. 

○ Extra precautions taken if air quality drops. 

● Toxicity & Hazardous Materials: 

○ EPA removes the most dangerous hazardous materials (paint, propane tanks, asbestos).

○ Remaining toxic debris (burned appliances, ash, asbestos) is addressed in Phase 2. 

○ If asbestos is found, it is mitigated before debris removal. 

Traffic & Logistics 

● Truck Movement: 

○ 600-1500 trucks per day expected across the impacted area. 

○ Truck beds wrapped with plastic and tarps to prevent debris from falling. ○ Residents should report any debris falling from trucks to the hotline. ● Traffic Impact: 

○ Increased truck movement, but congestion is not expected to be excessive. Tree Markings & Removal 

● EPA and Army Corps mark trees for assessment: 

○ Data tags at the base. 

○ Lines on the trunk indicate removal status. 

○ Contractor payments are tracked based on marked trees. 

Right of Entry (ROE) Amendments 

● Can an ROE be amended? 

○ Unclear—homeowners should check with LA County at 1-844-347-3332. Resources & Contact Information 

● PostFire LA Website: postfirela.org (for submitting questions & Q&A updates). ● Upcoming Q&A Session: 

○ Tuesday at 6 PM with an EPA representative on Phase One debris removal. ● Survivors Network: Encouraged for ongoing updates and support. 

Debris Removal Questions & Complaints 

● Hotline: Call 213-38-8305 

● Email: socalwildfires@usace.army.mil 

● Languages: English & Spanish. 

● Purpose: Answers questions & directs inquiries to relevant agencies. Debris Removal Prioritization

● Set by cities & counties, prioritizing: 

○ Ecologically sensitive locations. 

○ Areas near occupied homes (for safety & peace of mind). 

○ Working from the outside in where possible. 

○ Crews will work simultaneously across multiple areas to expedite the process. 

Additional Resources & Next Steps 

● PostFire LA Website: postfirela.org for submitting questions and accessing Q&A pages. ● Upcoming Q&A: 

○ Tuesday at 6 PM with an EPA representative to discuss Phase One debris removal.